Celebrations of new firefighters and the accomplishments of Marathon residents took up the majority of a light agenda for the Marathon City Council at its July 8 session.
Fire Chief James Muro opened the evening by swearing in and pinning new firefighters David Conde and Alejandro Ortega, with firefighter Alexander Martinez to be recognized at a later date. The final three hires represent the first time Marathon has had a fully-staffed fire department in roughly seven years, Mayor Lynn Landry told the audience.
“It takes a lot of hard work and support from their families, EMT fire certification, testing screening, an oral interview, swim tests – all sorts of things to get to the point where they are,” Muro said. “This oath has significance for the fire service and police work and the military, because after the oath, every other thing they do is just part of the job.”
Muro also lauded the accomplishments of newly-promoted Lt. Isabella Sanchez, who joined Marathon Fire Rescue after time spent with Key Largo EMS.
“She’s a natural leader, and we’re happy and proud to have her here,” Muro said. “We had a situation in which we had to do two promotional tests within six weeks of each other … a driver’s test and a lieutenant’s test. Ms. Sanchez finished number one on both.”
Councilwoman Robyn Still recognized local FWC biologist Andrew Heise, recognized earlier this year as one of Gov. Ron DeSantis Florida Heroes for saving the life of a man bitten by a crocodile in the Everglades in March 2024.
Dragging the 68-year-old man from the water, Heise used knowledge gained from years in Boy Scouts to apply a tourniquet to his severely injured leg, stopping what could very well have been a fatal bleed until other first responders arrived.
“Due to his quick actions, this gentleman is alive today,” said Still. “I just thought it was important that we have a recognition of him not only as a Florida Hero, but I consider him a Marathon hero also. … Thank you for doing what a lot of people might not have done, or might not have had the skills and knowledge to do.”
In other news:
- Resolution 2025-69, unanimously approved, provides for a potential reimbursement of $32,680 of an estimated $50,000 for installation of 10 navigational aids leading to the redeveloped Seven Mile Marina. Funding would come from the State Boating Improvement Funds, earmarked to aid recreational boating projects. The request will be renewed in August by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.
- Resolution 2025-67, approved on consent, awarded a $553,582 contract to LPS Contracting for the redevelopment of the docks at the Seven Mile Marina.
- Resolution 2025-70, also unanimously approved, amends an agreement to include the city of Layton in funds divided and distributed from the Florida Keys Stewardship Act. Since 2012, the annual state allocation has funded wastewater and water quality improvement projects throughout the island chain. Under the amendment, eight government entities and utilities would each receive 12.5% of allocated funds each year, with the ability to redistribute funds based on individual cities’ needs. In lieu of the agreement, municipalities and utilities would submit individual projects to a grant portal to earn a share of the funds.
